Spicule

n.	1.	A minute, slender granule, or point.
	2.	(Bot.) Same as Spicula.
	3.	(Zool.) Any small calcareous or siliceous body found in the tissues of various invertebrate animals, especially in sponges and in most Alcyonaria. Description of the Illustration: a Acerate; b Tricurvate, or Bowshaped; c d Hamate; e Broomshaped; f Scepterellate; g Spinispirulate; h Inequi-anchorate; i Sexradiate; j A Trichite Sheaf; k Six-rayed Capitate; l Rosette of Esperia; m Equi-anchorate.

Noun

1.

spicule - small pointed structure serving as a skeletal element in various marine and freshwater invertebrates e.g. sponges and corals Synonyms: spiculum

bramble, brier, bristle, burr, cactus, catchweed, cleavers, goose grass, needle, nettle, pine needle, prickle, quill, spiculum, spike, spikelet, spine, sticker, thistle, thorn, yucca